{5 on Friday} Five Photos, Make it or Take it & a Give Away

Hello friends,

I'm linking up with Reflection of You - 5 on Friday.... Please feel free to join in.... No rush... feel free to link up all week. Click HERE to get the details.

In honour of 5... I have 5 photos of the second mug I picked up at Anthropologie while in California.... such a little sweetie....Dont' you think? 'smile'

This past week ….. for Beyond Layers, I reflected a bit on Oasis…and the lack of photos I took while I was there. I took a lot of photos….but I imagined taking a lot more……. The same thing happened at camp in 2011…..

Hmmmm…. what's this about? I ask...... 

Xanthe was always taking pics….. with both her big camera and here iphone….. Me … not so much…… We talked about it on our drive to the airport…after it was all over….  and....we decided maybe I was more a make-it photographer…and Xanthe is more a take-it photographer…..

Let me explain….

Make it meaning…..I set up the picture…. then click the shutter…. Obviously you know I love setting up stills…… I dream in still-lifes… I'm a make-it photographer for sure. I love making pretty pictures....

Xanthe 'clicks' life....  a lot more than she creates/makes a photo…. So that would make her more of a take-it photographer….. She captures her busy London Life… her children… colour.... movement....quite often she puts herself in the frame… It's so unbelievably inspired.

I have the take-it part in me… (I'm sure we all have a bit of both).....My photos on the trail …. nature....of Ben…. my family (now and then if they let me)… those are my take-it photos….. 

We can definitely be both… but possibly lean more to one side of it… perhaps you might call it our comfort zone…. definitely making pretty pictures... is my comfort zone! I know that for sure.....

I also realized I take most of my photos...when I'm alone… in the quiet of my life…. Oasis…was very active… lots going on….and maybe that's another reason I didn't capture as many photos as I would have hoped. I was busy in the moment...and found it hard to step outside of it....or stay in it, while I was clicking the shutter?

Hmmmmm..... creature of habit... :)

I asked the Beyonders about this…. their responses were just awesome…. such a mixture of make-it and take-it photographers…… so much insight… truly the best. I love you all!

And so I thought I'd ask you…Make it or Take it? Do you do both equally, lean toward one way or the other? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Give Away

We've opened up Behind the Scenes for instant Self-Paced Access…at an amazing price…. We'd love to give a spot away to one lucky commentor…. Simply share your thoughts on Make-it or Take-it below. I will announce the winner back here on Sunday. 

Here's to an inspired weekend….

Thank you for stopping by.... I am forever grateful..... until next time.... 

xo,

Kim

Comments

[seabluelee]

I am definitely a take-it photographer. I have tried setting up situations and still lifes and have enjoyed the process and the results, but I'm not motivated to do it often. For me, photography is a way to capture things that catch my attention or that happen around me -- transitory moments of nature, of light, of life.

[CheyAnne]

I am the take-it kind of photographer. I love making pretty pictures, but usually it is adjusting the setting of something or moving something out of the way. I love the simplicity of your shots, always have. I guess I feel like I don't have the space to create the make-it kind of photo right now. living in construction zone can be kinda limited sometimes. Either way it's a cool idea to think about.
peace n abundance,
CheyAnne
www.cheyannesexton.etsy.com

[mary Underwood]

I am a Make It. I think it comes from being a fiber artist. One of my favorite times is when I am able to get in that 'creative zone' , when you loose track of time and you are in total right brain mode. It is not always easy for me but the more I practice the easier it is becoming.

[Candy C.]

I hadn't thought about it before but I am more of a Make It photographer. I love setting up shots. :)
I would like to do more Take It photography but never seem to have my camera when the moment is "right!"

[kelly]

i so totally get this. i too take lots of photos when i am alone. some 'make it' some 'take it'. but seems like when i am with my friends and my family, feeling really connected...few or no pictures. i think it's because i really enjoy being IN it. fully immersed. being and experiencing, not watching and observing. and of course that's the dichotomy because if i pulled back enough to photograph it, then i would have that experience preserved forever. with our thanksgiving coming up in a few days i'm thinking alot about how to balance that a little better. get more photos of these incredible special times together. thank you so much for the reminder. love, kelly

[Yolanda @ PB&J]

I"m pretty sure I am a Take It Photographer. But I do like to Make It sometimes :)

[Sarah]

I completely agree about the busyness and not taking photos then, I am in introvert so I don't like to draw attention to myself in a crowd by taking pictures, but when I am by myself or with just my family, no problem. Overall,I would be more of a take it photographer, in the right situations :)

[Gitanjali]

Hi Kim,

OMG I love this beautiful mug of yours. Isn't Anthropologie the best? I've been thinking long and hard about whether I am a make it or take it photographer. I think I'm a bit of both. Though I do know that if I was placed among a group of other photographers I would feel reaaaaallllly shy in the beginning and therefore might not 'take' too many photographs in the beginning. Hmm.. maybe I need to change that!
I love your photographs from the trail. They are really spectacular and always inspire me.
xoxo

[Patrice]

I'm definitely a Take It photographer - my kids laugh at me driving down the street with a camera just pointing out the window and then going home to see what I got. Love that mug!!

[Bonnie]

I am a taker for sure, but I like to 'make' in post-processing. I don't take a lot of photos of people in general--I like pictures that you can hang on the wall, I guess; if I ever printed it! I definitely like to be alone to take pictures, but I mostly take photos outside in the natural environment. I have been known to set things up, but I do that rather rarely. Outside, though, I might move a blade of grass or a leaf, but still I like to take photos of what I find that I think looks interesting to me, so I am typically crawling around on the ground taking pictures of dew, frost, leaves, flower, grass, rocks and whatnot. I don't like to run into people see me doing this. I know I look like a dork! (Oh and a number of times I've had people thinking there was something wrong with me . . . like I had fallen down . . . asking if I am okay; I definitely don't like that!) I am wanting, now, though to get back to taking more pictures for the purpose of documentation, of my kids and my days, etc. But in the end, I am a taker, but usually after I have seen and found what I want to take.

[Kate Fortune]

I'm definitely a taker, I hardly ever go out without a camera, even if I'm only going to the supermarket! I love that mug by the way!

[Nina]

This is an interesting perspective - I might lean more towards 'take it' ... I carry a camera with me, and when something captures my attention, I grab my camera. However, when taking the picture, I'm aware of the perspective, fore/background etc. that has an influence on the composition. Perhaps I could fall more in to 'both/and' than 'either/or' ... Such an inspiring viewpoint, raising awareness of one's preferences on taking pictures! And thank you so much for this fabulous takeaway!!!

[Natalie E.]

Hmmm. . . I think I'm more of a make it photographer, but I would really like to get better and being a take it photographer.

[kelly n]

Oooh! interesting...I am more of a Make It. I think it's because I've thought about this before! Since I don't have any kids, or animals, or any family here, I "Make" my photos. When we are around family/friends, I SOMEtime Take pics, but mostly am having fun being with them. I think that's why I offer to take "people" shots for low cost, just to have people to pose and practice! lol I really love still life and nature tho...I think I'll be a Make It girl forever. :)

[Barb]

I do both... but I'd say I mostly take photos. But I want to shoot more 'still lifes'... hmm...

[Maria]

Gee, what do you know, I think I'm a maker . . . I'm heading out to the countryside and woods early tomorrow morning ...burrr... but I have to admit, I have an agenda of what I'd like to capture and what could do with them (with the help of some great new textures ...thx Kim ;-)

[Donna]

I have been a "maker," but I'm on my way to being a "taker." Because I am scared to death of what I can't do, or maybe what I can do, I am most comfortable with environments and situations I can control. Making the picture takes the pressure off and has allowed me to learn - the technical aspects of the camera and the creative aspects of composition. But I'm feeling ready to take photos. I took pictures at a local fall festival and simply asked with a smiling face, "Can I take your picture?" I am snapping everyday events, and people, finding pictures everyday and every way . This community of photographers has helped to develop the courage to become my best self. Thank you!

[Kari]

Interesting question! I've never thought about that before. I guess I'm a little of both, but maybe more of a make-it. I absolutely love taking pictures when I'm alone and seeing inspiring things, especially in nature. But when I'm with people, I'm with them, unless I'm the designated photographer. At my grandmother's recent 100th birthday, I was in charge of putting together the photo book. I wanted to take photos and I did take some, but I wanted to spend time with my grandma and other family that I don't get to see very often too, so I nabbed a few others to take photos as well since I knew my people-priority would win out.

[Ami]

I am almost completely a take it photographer, except when it comes to food. I will arrange our plates (even in a restaurant) and then take the shot. I love to photograph food.

[Bev]

I'm a maker--love working with photos post-production. But just starting back on my creative journey. Want to take some classes--and spend time focusing on building a new life for myself. The maker in me comes alive when I work with images.

[Lisa]

Well, to be honest, I'm neither. I often don't take pics, then feel inspired and take a lot, then at times I feel like making a picture and never feel satisfied by them. So I often just do what I need to (pictures people request). I think I lack A. Inspiration to take photos sometimes because I'm frustrated by my less than perfect pics and then B. The drive to take the time to "create" a photo. I often have very high expectations for myself which I don't seem to meet and am at times paralized by what I think others are expecting. Not very good from a creative perspective. I like to take and create pictures but both seem to come and go like the seasons and I'm often hesitant because I feel I am never creating at the level I'd like to be. This morning I was beyond frustrated that I've been interested in learning about photography for so long now and still don't fully grasp how to make a good/great pic in manual mode. I would love to be able to take a pic/create a picture and enjoy it but I often don't. I guess sometimes it's fun to take pics, other times, I could care less. Sometimes it's great to edit but mostly frustrating. I don't seem to enjoy where I'm at, more or less I find myself frustrated at where I'm not. I often feel like the only one who feels this way but I'm so hopeful others feel the same way. Not that I want others to be frustrated but that I'm not the only person who has been frustrated in a sense. You seem to take, create and enjoy. I'd love to do the same one day. Right now, I take here and there and try to create and well....fizzle out of frustration.

[Olivia]

I'm a take-it photographer, not so much a make it. I take the camera when I walk and take the photos of things that catch my eye. But I work the scene, too, finding the right angles and perspectives to get the look I want. So I guess I'm both.

[Viv]

I'm so torn I am a take-it , shots and snaps of anything I see. I think that's the historian in me to capture a slice of 57 year old in a small county town in the UK but, I am really enjoying make -it especially now that the weather is not so kind to my camera.

[Karen]

I used to think I was purely a 'take it' photographer, and indeed, I still carry my camera all the time so I don't miss opportunities. But since I have been doing photo projects with my dogs, and have also been inspired by you, Kim, I am much more of a 'make it' photographer. I simply love thinking about a shot, creating it in my mind and then setting it up and achieving my vision. Also love the post processing side of it. Sometimes my set up shots with my dogs can be outside shots, so they may look like a 'take it' style shot but in fact they are 'make it ' shots too.

[Beverly C.]

Oh, Kim what a great question to cause us to look at how we spontaneously respond to the camera. Honestly I can say I am a "take-it" photographer, as I am the one in a group always finding things and people to photograph, or on an outdoor walk my eye is always looking for that special something to photograph. Setting up a still life is an exercise I definitely need to work on and find it quite interesting to do, but it isn't my normal way of taking photos, however I SO LOVE and admire the work of those that do it, such as yourself, Kim. Documenting a day or an outing is what my mind is processing as I'm snapping the shutter. Taking the BL-II class has opened up opportunities for me to "make" photos - before that, I would have never taken a photo of a piece of garlic, or a sink faucet! I now have a picture folder titled "Still Life" and it's growing daily! LOL xo

[Beverly C.]

p.s. LOVE this mug!!!

[Sherri B.]

I am most definitely a take-it photographer...I guess I'm an introvert in my photography as well as in life. I do my best photos when I'm solitary...it gives me time to think, to process my surroundings, to not have to use my energy for anything but the photo taking. I can be a make-it photographer, too, but I'm distracted and the photos tend to not be as thoughtful. This is very interesting food for thought - thanks, Kim!

P.S. That mug is perfection. !!! :)

[Sharon]

You figured out an interesting aspect of photography! I'm a take-it person usually. I love planning to go to interesting places with my camera along and snapping what I see. When I'm on the lookout for what would make a good photo, I find I'm more engaged with my surroundings and the people around me. I've posed some shots but then usually can't figure out what to do with them. Maybe it's because I want to see the story in everything and I love pondering the story behind what's going on around me. It takes all kinds of photographers to add beauty to the world, and you certainly do that with your creative work!

[Carol]

I love this idea of make it or take it! I take most of my pictures while alone. I can attend a fun family event or even go on a vacation with my husband and take far fewer photos per hour than I take when I am out and about by myself. I think I am involved in the moment and with the people so I don't think about taking the picture. Very fun discussion!

[Robyn]

I am headed to Anthropologie next week for sure!
I've been trying to figure out if I'm a make it or take it person. I carry my camera or phone around with me hoping to be a "take it" photographer, but then come home with no pictures. If I'm on a walk alone or at home, I will rearrange my surroundings to fit my picture. I guess that makes me a wanna be take it, but really a make it person.

[Becs]

Love these mugs you picked up, so pretty. I'm pretty much a take it photographer - having a young family, photography started off for me as memory keeping. I do make it photos but not so much - I should really try for more of a balance as I really need the practice in my make it shots - they can be a bit hit and miss to say the least!

[Sharon]

This is really thought provoking. I think I'm more of a make-it photographer. I like to set up the shots and definitely find i enjoy doing it by myself. I can take my time and really get into the flow of it. When I take photos of people, I often feel rushed because I'm trying to get it just right, while they are waiting for the instant click! I also find I'm attracted to taking photos of pretty things - that makes me really happy. This is like personality-typing.... very insightful and eye-opening, Kim! I'm going to ponder this some more....

[Still and All]

I don't think I could be happy being only one or the other. I am evolving along with my photography. Right now I am in a phase of challenging myself to grow in new ways. I started off mainly "taking" photographs and then was inspired to try "making" them more through still lifes and using textures like yours Kim. Now I'm back into "taking" again but with a different approach -- one that incorporates more of the intentionality involved when composing and "making" images. Where to next will be interesting -- I think I will try to further develop my processing and compositing skills and "make" some new and different kinds of images that blur the boundaries of reality.

[Jean]

When we lived in the North Yorkshire in England I joined a walking group. The countryside was so beautiful I began taking pictures. I took my camera with me everywhere---and still do. I am definitely a 'take it' photographer. I love taking pictures of birds and animals, as well as of flowers and scenery. However, I am an introvert and do not do well taking pictures of people. Even on our trips to other countries I have very few pictures of the people. I do not feel comfortable asking them for a photo or trying to take one when they are unaware. However, Kim, your photos have inspired me. There is such beauty and a feeling of peacefulness in them. I am definitely going to try to 'make' some. Taking your class has made me think about the many ways to photograph the world around us. Before I had never though of trying to create a still life or scene. Thanks so much for making me more aware.

[Kim]

Such an interesting post, Kim. I love the terms make it or take it - I have definitely evolved from make it to take it, but still do a bit of both. I teach take it photography (calling it contemplative) and have found that many do this, but didn't realize that's what they are doing. I also think that one is not better than the other and that one can evolve from take it to make it also.

Even as a take it photographer, one must have a certain level of make it skills to successfully convey what they see.